Your gums play an important role in your oral health, keeping your teeth in place and protecting them from infection. Gum recession is a common dental problem that occurs when the gum tissue around your teeth wears away. The roots become exposed, making them vulnerable to soreness and decay. Although it can be stressful and uncomfortable, know that there are options to stop and even reverse the pain and damage of gum recession.
Some of the leading causes, which may occur alone or together, include:
Although gum recession can occur with no noticeable symptoms, the most common symptom is a change in the shape or color of your gums. You may even notice that your gums don’t cover the entire tooth surface, leading to some sensitivity when eating or drinking. Other symptoms include:
During your appointment, your dentist will measure the depth of the pockets around the teeth, check for inflammation and/or bleeding, and examine your gum line for any changes in position. He may also check for tooth sensitivity or looseness. To get a better view of the bone and tooth structure, he may also take X-rays. If he’s concerned about infection, he may take a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis.
Remember: It’s important to detect and treat this issue as early as possible to prevent further damage.
Depending on the severity of your disorder, there are non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Non-surgical treatment options include:
If needed, gum grafting is a surgical option used to treat gum recession. This procedure covers the exposed roots to reduce sensitivity and improve the appearance of the teeth and gums. A small piece of tissue, often from the roof of your mouth, is placed over the area with recession and then secured with sutures. Following the treatment, it is important to follow a post-operative care routine, which may include taking antibiotics, avoiding hard foods, and using good at-home dental practices. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days.
Call us at 407.834.0330 to schedule your appointment today! Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like restorative dentistry, dental anxiety, and more.
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